The salty breeze danced around Lisa's dress as she stepped onto the powdery white sand, her toes sinking softly into the warm grains. The Maldives was even more breathtaking than she'd imagined — clear turquoise waves, swaying palm trees, and the endless stretch of sky above.
She had thought this trip would bring her peace, a temporary escape from the ache in her heart.
But nothing could have prepared her for the moment her eyes met his.
Across the beach, Alex stood still — stunned.
The ocean wind tousled his dark hair, his eyes locked on her.
Lisa, dressed in a simple white sundress, laughed as Zia splashed water at her. She looked alive. Free. A glow surrounded her that he hadn't noticed in years... or maybe, he had just never looked.
Something deep inside him twisted.
Why is she here?
Why does she look so... happy?
And why does that bother me?
Lisa didn't see him watching. She was too caught up in the moment, smiling, her laughter rising like a melody through the sea breeze.
⸻
Scene Break: Sunset Cliffside Deck
Mia stood alone, a soft wrap around her shoulders, as the sun began to melt into the sea. The sky was painted with hues of tangerine, gold, and crimson.
From where she stood, she could see Eli and Zia a distance away, sitting close, their laughter echoing gently against the waves. Zia leaned her head against Eli's shoulder.
A soft ache nestled in Mia's chest.
They look so... right together.
She closed her eyes for a moment and smiled.
"It's good to see Eli finally has someone who truly loves him," she whispered. "He deserves all the love in the world."
She didn't notice the single tear that slipped down her cheek and vanished into the salty air.
⸻
Scene Break: Quiet Corner of the Resort
That evening, Lisa sat on a lounge chair, watching the waves kiss the shore. The orange glow of the sunset reflected in her eyes.
She didn't know Mia had stood nearby moments ago, or that Alex had been watching her earlier. In that quiet space, she finally let herself breathe.
Maybe this is what I needed, she thought.
To see the world beyond him. To imagine a life where her heart wasn't shackled to a love she couldn't have.
Lisa took a deep breath and looked out at the sea. The wind whispered through her hair as she murmured softly to herself:
"Maybe... when I go back... I should move out from the villa. Start somewhere new. Be independent. Maybe then... Alex will finally be happy."
She pressed a hand gently to her heart, as if trying to steady the ache that still pulsed there.
And far away, unseen by her — Alex stood on the balcony of his villa, eyes still tracing the curve of her silhouette.
And for the first time...
He wondered what it would feel like to lose her.